A pulse that beats several times before a pause is extremely rapid (Cu Mai, 促脉). This indicates an excess of Yang and a deficiency of Yin. The simmering of phlegm-fire may lead to wheezing and coughing, or the appearance of macules and toxic eruptions. (Macules refer to purple-red patches on the skin; black macules are difficult to treat, and carbuncles and sores all involve toxicity.)
(Dai Mai, 代脉)
The pulse beats but stops midway and cannot return immediately. If the pauses occur at regular intervals, it is named Dai Mai (Intermittent Pulse). It is not necessarily caused by palpitations due to Cold Damage (Shanghan), but may also result from abdominal pain, diarrhea, or dysentery causing harm. In chronic diseases, its presence is indeed ominous. (Bian Que stated: A pulse that stops once every five beats without further increase or decrease, or once every seven beats without further increase or decrease, is classically named Dai Mai, indicating death.) Even in healthy individuals, the appearance of this pulse signifies the failure of the internal organs. (The Ling Shu states: In one day and night, the Qi circulates fifty cycles to nourish the essence of the Five Zang organs. To determine this, one holds the pulse at the Cun Kou position and counts the beats. If there is no intermittent pause after fifty beats, all Five Zang organs receive Qi; if there is one pause after forty beats, one Zang organ lacks Qi; if there is one pause after thirty beats, two Zang organs lack Qi; if there is one pause after twenty beats, three Zang organs lack Qi; if there is one pause after ten beats, all Five Zang organs lack Qi, [indicating a poor prognosis]...)